Sydenham Town Center - What do you think?

[mummycat]

I spend over 2 hours a day walking about in Sydenham and as a pedestrian I would prefer the proposed Puffin crossings (Pedestrian User-Friendly Intelligent), rather than dangerous zebras. I'm glad that the one on the railway bridge is going.

What gets my goat is the selfish inside lane overtaking that goes on at Cobbs Corner roundabout, (between Robinson Jackson and the railway bridge). This morning in the space of half an hour, (08:45- 09:15) I witnessed 2 separate altercations with extremely aggressive drivers. One ended in an accident.

Any traffic calming that can solve this problem will be welcome. Let's all slow down and keep the traffic moving.

[bensonby]

I spend over 2 hours a day walking about in Sydenham and as a pedestrian I would prefer the proposed Puffin crossings (Pedestrian User-Friendly Intelligent), rather than dangerous zebras. I'm glad that the one on the railway bridge is going.

As a lifelong pedestian that's never lived in a household with a car I have to disagree with you there.

A zebra crossing gives right of way to the pedestrian which means that they can cross whenever they like, rather than lights which give the cars automatic right of way and leaving pedestrians to wait. (does anyone else think the lights in the middle of the high street take ages to change in favour of the pedestrians?)

If we want to be serious about promoting walking then anything that gives greater access and right of way to a pedestrian is a good thing.

There is little statistical basis to suggest Zebras are measurably more dangerous. Indeed some surveys suggest they are safer.

See here for example:
http://www.northlincs.gov.uk/NorthLincs ... crossings/

[mummycat]

Yes, I agree with most of what you say.

I suppose because I have young children and have taught them to always wait for the green man, the rules of crossing on a zebra are less clear. You have to put your foot on the zebra before the driver has to stop.

What if you're pushing a buggy or a pram? What if he's driving too fast uphill approaching the railway bridge? What if he is on a mobile phone or programming the sat nav? I'm taking no chances!

Of course the best way is to eyeball the driver and put up your hand to wave at them to let them know you're crossing. The law's on our side, but it'll be us (the pedestrian) who suffers if the driver doesn't bother to stop!

All the crossings will be changed over time, there are some badly sighted Pelican crossings, too. I use the one by Snappy Snaps and it takes forever! Some of the drivers don't even see the red light by Aldlife and drive over a "green man". Buses included....

[shell1]

I've been eating at Garam masala restaurant ever since it opened and highly recommend the delicious food which is very good value for money; the service is friendly without being over bearing. However much I love the food, I do agree with Lee that at first I was distracted by the shop exterior which could perhaps have benefited from a more sophisticated design - that was until I tasted the food and was pleasantly surprised. The interior is clean and warm. Friends find the interior a little too colourful (you have to experience the warm but ultra psychedelic peach and apricot colour scheme) and could perhaps have done with a more modern, sophisticated scheme. However I think the young management team have done WONDERS to what was a tired corner of Sydenham.

[bensonby]

I've been eating at Garam masala restaurant ever since it opened and highly recommend the delicious food which is very good value for money; the service is friendly without being over bearing. However much I love the food, I do agree with Lee that at first I was distracted by the shop exterior which could perhaps have benefited from a more sophisticated design - that was until I tasted the food and was pleasantly surprised. The interior is clean and warm. Friends find the interior a little too colourful (you have to experience the warm but ultra psychedelic peach and apricot colour scheme) and could perhaps have done with a more modern, sophisticated scheme. However I think the young management team have done WONDERS to what was a tired corner of Sydenham.

I echo that statement completely. I've been eating there, through it's highs and lows, for over 21 years. (there has always been an indian restaurant there in that time) and this is the best it has ever been and it rivals almost any other Indian REstaurant I've been to in London.